The Young Equestrian Leaders Award (YELA) is a scheme for young people aged between 13 and 25 who want to volunteer within the equestrian industry. Initiated by The British Equestrian Federation (BEF) many Member Bodies including The Pony Club now run the scheme.
There are three progressive levels Bronze, Silver and Gold based on the amount of hours and type of volunteering that is carried out:
- Bronze requires 20 hours of volunteering and introduces skills in responsibility, organisation and communication
- Silver requires 40 hours and develops these further
- Gold Award requires 120 hours of volunteering, encouraging leadership and the planning and delivery of a specific project.
You can volunteer at any of the Member Bodies which make up the BEF. Unfortunately British Horse Society (BHS) or Association of British Riding Schools (ABRS) stand alone approved Livery Yards are unable to count and volunteering at a British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA) approved store also is unable to count.
We have members working towards all 3 levels and offer regular opportunities In Branch for them to Volunteer, especially helping younger members at camps, competitions, ridden and non-ridden rallies.
Members register using an online form on The Pony Club YELA website and then let us know so we are able to offer them opportunities to fulfill requirements and sign off their activities.
